Practising English is a podcast for intermediate and upper-intermediate learners of British English. It features original stories written specifically for students, along with grammar explanations, vocabulary practice, and pronunciation tips. The podcast also helps prepare for Cambridge B1 PET and B2 FCE exams, as well as IELTS levels 4-6. Listeners can improve their listening, speaking, and exam skills through engaging content.
Episodes
335. Adventure of the Windmills (B1 story)
Don Quixote was riding his old, thin horse named Rocinante. He believed he was a brave knight searching for adventure...My B1-level extract from Cervantes' Don Quixote.Read the transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-335.htmGuitar music by StudioKolomna and TokyoRifft from Pixabay.The B1 words we'll study are:1. Set offDefinition: To start a journey, usually to go to wor
B1 grammar practice - do for emphasis
We are going to practise the use of the auxiliary verb 'do' for emphasis.In this first section, we are going to practise using DO, DOES, or DID WHEN WE WANT TO EMPHASISE AN ACTION. We use this to make a statement stronger or to show strong feelings about something.For more explanation on DO, DOES and DID for emphasis, see my podcast:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-231.htmContac
B2 grammar practice - neither and nor
Today, we are going to practise the use of NEITHER / NOR.Example:I don't speak French. I don't speak German.Answer: I speak neither French nor German.I also have another full podcast on neither and nor:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-108.htmContact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/conta
334. Araby (B2 story)
B2-level extract from James Joyce's Araby (a short story from the book "The Dubliners". You can see the full transcript here:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-334.htmMusic by; 1) Irish traditional background music - Misty County FiddleMichael-Vault (Pixabay)2) The Piper's TwilightMissyWhimsyArt (Pixabay)The B2 language we'll study is:1. At easeDefinition: Feeling r
B1 grammar practice - repeated comparatives, so much
Today, in this B1 practice, we are going to practise repeated comparatives, including two comparatives in a sentence, and use 'so much' as an intensifier.For more help on modifiers with comparatives, see my webpage:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-content.htmContact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practising
B2 grammar practice - enough, rather a, by far
Today, we are going to practise some key words that will help you to raise your level from B1 to B2. We are going to practise the use of 'enough', 'rather a', and 'by far'.For more B2-level grammar exercises, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/english-grammar-exercises/index.htmContact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising Eng
333. Treasure Island (chapter 20) B1 story
This is my last chapter of the B1-level Treasure Island story.You can read the transcript here: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-333.htmThese are the B1 phrases we will study:1. All day longDefinition: For the whole day, from morning until night.Example 1: My grandparents stayed in the garden all day long to watch the children play.2. Do your bestDefinition: To try as hard as you can to d
B1 grammar practice - present perfect continuous -still, yet, already
Practise of Present Perfect Continuous, still, yet, already and for and since.You will hear two short sentences describing an action that started in the past and is still happening now. Last week, we practised the use of "for" and "since" with present perfect simple. However, when we use action verbs like "to move", "to work", "to study", we often
B2 grammar practice - passive causative
Today's grammar practice for learners of B2 English is about the passive causative e.g. "I had my house painted", and "I got my hair cut".We'll also look at the passive structure, "It is said that..."Here is a help page from my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/english-grammar/passive-voice.htmAnother podcast of mine on the pasive:https://www.practi
332. The New Accelerator (B2 story)
This is a B2 story with B2 vocabulary. Here is what we'll study:You can read the full transcript of the story at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-332.htm1) Have something sorted2) Try something out3) Let somebody down4) Get on with something5) Pop out6) Talk somebody out of something7) Dash in/out/off/over toContact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertis
B1 grammar practice - present perfect, since, for, ever
This is the first of my weekly B1 grammar practice podcasts. Today, you can practise present perfect simple and the use of "for" and "since" and the structure "the most beautiful cathedral they've ever visited".See help at my website on this: https://www.practisingenglish.com/english-grammar/present-perfect.htm#for_sinceContact Mike Bilbrough with a question or e
B2 grammar practice - active to passive voice
This is the first in my series of weekly B2 grammar practice sessions. Ten minutes of listening and repeating B2-level grammar structures so that you perfect your B2 grammar in spoken British English. Today it's about the use of the passive voice and changing from active to passive.Help on the passive at my website on the passive: https://www.practisingenglish.com/english-grammar/passive-voic
331. Treasure Island (chapter 19) B1 story
Today, for my B1 recording of chapter 19 of Treasure Island, there are three comprehension questions. Read these before you start listening: 1. Why did Doctor Livesey give Long John Silver the map? 2. What had happened to the treasure? 3. Why did Dr Livesey and the others decide not to report Long John Silver to the police? Contact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertisi
330. The Great Gatsby (B2-level extract)
These are the B2 words and phrases I'll be explaining today:You can see the transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-330.htm1) From time to timeDefinition: Sometimes, but not regularly or very often.Example 1: When revising for my history exam, I take a short break from time to time to rest my eyes.Example 2: From time to time, the professor gives us a small quiz to check we u
329. Treasure Island (chapter 18) B1 story
These are the B1 phrases we'll be studying today:You can find the transcript here: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-329.htm1. RefuseDefinition: To say that you will not do or accept something.Examples:Some people refuse to recycle because they think it takes too much time.If we refuse to change our bad habits, there will be more plastic in the sea. 2. Throw awayDefinition: To put so
328. Jeeves and the hard-boiled egg (B2 level story)
Here are the B2 phrases we'll be talking about today:See transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-328.htm1. stand up forDefinition: To defend or support someone or an idea when other people are against them.She always stands up for her younger brother when other kids are mean to him.You should stand up for your rights at work.2. in favour ofDefinition: To support or agree with
327. Treasure Island (chapter 17) B1 story
Here are the phrases we will study in this B1 story:To see the full transcript with the B1 words: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-327.htmhand something overdefinition: To give something to someone, usually by putting it in their hand. 1. The police officer asked me for my passport, so I handed it over. 2. She handed over the keys to the new owner. 3. Please hand the documents ov
326. Dracula (extract 2) B2 story
The B2 phrases we'll be studying are:Transcript available at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-326.htm1. Bizarre situationDefinition: A very strange or unusual situation that is difficult to understand or explain. When I arrived at work, everyone was wearing costumes, and I had no idea what was happening. It was a bizarre situation. We were having dinner when a man suddenly walked
325. Treasure Island (chapter 16) B1 Story
I'm back from my holiday. It's a new season! My sixth year with Practising English Podcasts. There'll be new things this season, which I'll let you know about soon. Firstly, here is the continuation of Treasure Island with interesting B1 language for you. To sea the transcript with B1 words highlighted, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-325.htm 1) remain calmDefi
324. Drawing Conclusions (B2 story) summer repeat
Drawing Conclusions is a mystery story about a woman who witnesses some strange things happening at the house next door.The B2 phrases analysed before the story can be found at the show notes of your podcast app and at Practising English dot com, podcast 184.See phrases at my website: Practising English...B2 phrases:- drawing conclusions- Mrs Robinson had neither seen nor heard Lorna since- take g
323. Coming Home (complete version) B1 - B2 Story
This story is the complete version of the B1, B2-level, Coming Home, first published here in 2024. Now you can enjoy the full story with vocabulary exercises below and at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-323.htmWords to explain:to strengthen = to make strongera property = a house (usually for sale)keep clear = stay away, do not come nearB2 phrases to listen for. What is the co
322. The Harmonica Players (full version) B2 story
This is the complete version of the B2-level story, The Harmonica Players. I include here for you a B2 vocabulary list of words and expressions to listen for in the story:Practising English podcast 322...B2 Words and expressions in the story1. couldn't faceStory sentence to listen for: Somehow, he couldn’t face starting his day without a hot shower. Definition: To feel unable or unwilling to
321. The Visitors (full version) B2 story
Comprension questions and vocabulary tasksAt my website, you can also find B1 and B2 vocabulary tasks to do for this story: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-321.htmComprehension questions1) Who said he didn't want to be rescued and why?2) What is the bridge of a ship, and why did the scientists and naval officers all go there?3) Where was the alien ship when the ship's crew firs
320. Bully! (B1 short story)
Hello, and welcome to Practising English! Mike Bilbrough is on his summer holiday, so we'd like to offer a B1 story recorded way back in 2022. It's called Bully, and it's taken from Mike Bilbrough's book for preparing for the Cambridge Preliminary exam: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder". This week we're going to offer you the complete transcript of the story with B
319. The Hole (complete story) B2 level
Mike Bilbrough is taking his summer holiday at the moment. Meanwhile, we'd like to offer you a story recorded last year in two parts as one complete story for you to listen to, learn from and enjoy. You can follow the story transcript and see the B2 language in bold type at Mike's website at www.practisingenglish.com podcast-319.htm. Enjoy! Here is the transcript with B2 vocabulary shown
318. Treasure Island (chapter 15) B1 story
These are the B1 phrases we'll study today:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-318.htm1. AttemptDefinition: To try to do something, especially something difficult. (Can be used as a verb or a noun).Example 1: She will attempt to pass her driving test for the second time tomorrow.2. WelcomeDefinition (Noun): The way you greet someone when they arrive.Definition (Verb): To greet someone i
317. Dracula (extract 1) B2 story
The B2 phrases we'll be studying are:Full story transcipt: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-317.htmon behalf ofDefinition: Instead of someone else, or representing another person or group.Example 1: I am writing this email on behalf of my manager who is on vacation.Example 2: On behalf of the whole team, I want to say thank you for your help.come to this conclusionDefinition: To deci
316. Treasure Island (chapter 14) B1 story
Here are the words and expressions we''l study today:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-316.htm1) to handleDefinition: To deal with a situation, a person, or a problem successfully. Examples: Don't worry about the cooking tonight, I can handle it. Our manager is very calm and knows exactly how to handle angry customers.2) sound likeDefinition: To seem true or interesting afte
315. The Importance of Being Earnest 2 (B2 level)
Here are the B2 phrases we'll be studying today:1) far too many/much/few etc.There are far too many games in this new 48-team tournament, and our players look absolutely exhausted.The manager chose far too few midfielders in the starting line-up, which is why we completely lost control of the ball.2) in any caseI don't think the referee should have given that penalty, but in any case, we
314. Treasure Island (chapter 13) B1 story
These are the B1 phrases we'll be studying today!See full story audioscript here with B1 words highlighted: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-314.htm1. Take care of. Definition: To look after someone or something and make sure they have what they need. I need to take care of my little brother while my parents are at work.Please take care of your new books and do not lose them.2. Alive
313. The Importance of Being Earnest (B2 story)
These are the B2 phrases I'll be studying today:(See transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-313.htmas far as sth is concernedDefinition: When talking about a particular subject or issue. Example: As far as money is concerned, we need to be careful. a misunderstandingDefinition: A situation in which people do not understand each other correctly. Example:The argument started b
312. Treasure Island (chapter 12) B1 Story
These are the B1 phrases we're going to study today:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-312.htm 1. after a whileDefinition: after some time has passed Example: We talked for a while , and after a while we went home. 2. on purposeDefinition: intentionally; not by accident Example: John broke his mobile phone on purpose so his parents would buy him a new one. 3. put out (a fire) Definit
311. The Adventure of the Western Star (part 2) B2 story
These are the B2 phrasal verbs we're studying today:For full stiry transcript: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-311.htm1. Turn up (Meaning: To arrive or appear)"We wrapped up the meeting early because the client didn't turn up on time."2. Get away (Meaning: To escape or evade capture)"The thieves managed to get away before the security guards could lock the buildi
310. Treasure Island (chapter 11) B1 story
These are the B1 expressions we'll study today:For full story audio script: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-310.htm1) just in caseDefinition: to be prepared if something happens.Take an umbrella just in case it rains.2) get readyDefinition: to prepare for something.We need to get ready for school.3) come to an agreementDefinition: to decide something together after talking.After two
309. Adventure of the Western Star (B2 story) Part 1
These are the B2 phrases we'll be studying today:For audioscript see: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-309.htmpeculiarDefinition: strange or unusual in a way that is interesting or surprising.Examples:There was a peculiar smell coming from the kitchen.worryingDefinition: making you feel anxious or concerned.Examples:The doctor said the test results were worrying.playing a joke onDefi
308. Treasure Island - chapter 10 (B1 story)
These are the B1 phrases we'll be studying today:See transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-308.htm1) on one's own Definition: alone, without help from othersExample:· She lives on her own in a small flat. 2) of one's own Definition: something that belongs only to a personExample:· He wants a room of his own. 3) in the end Definition: finally, after everyth
307. Cowboy (B2 story) Part 2
These are the B2 expressions we're going to study today. For full transcript of the story, you can go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-307.htm1) take the blame Definition: to accept that you are responsible for something bad that happened. I took the blame for the mistake at work.2) make for Definition: to move in a particular direction or go toward a place. After dinner, we ma
306. Treasure Island - chapter 9 (B1 story)
These are the B1 phrases we are going to study today.To read the full transcript of the story, please go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-306.htmNon-B1 words from this chapter of Treasure Island: cannibals - humans who eat the meat of other humansshipwreck - a ship which has been destroyed at seacannon - a large gun used in ships to shoot at other shipsUnion Jack - the flag of the Uni
305. Cowboy (B2 story) Part 1
Here is the B2 vocabulary I'll be studying today. The link takes you to see the audioscript.https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-305.htm1) ReckonDefinition: To think or believe that something is true or will happen.Example Sentence: I reckon it is going to rain this afternoon, so we should probably bring our umbrellas.2) Head (verb)Definition: To go or move in a particular direction.Exam
304. Treasure Island - chapter 8 (B1 story)
These are the B1 words and expressions we'll be looking at today: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-304.htm1) Binomial pairsNeat and tidy (meaning: clean, organized)Example: She keeps her bedroom incredibly neat and tidy.Sick and tired (meaning: very annoyed/bored of something)Example: I am sick and tired of this cold weather.Short and sweet (meaning: quick but pleasant)Example: The m
303. The Count of Monte Cristo (extract) B2 Story
These are the B2 phrases we are going to study in today's podcast:thinking twiceDefinition: Considering a decision carefully or hesitating before doing something. Example: I saw the cat in the tree and, without thinking twice , I climbed up to save it. lose his nerveDefinition: To suddenly become afraid or lose the courage to do something intended. Example: He wanted to go skydiving, but he l
302. Treasure Island - chapter 7 (B1 story)
Read the audioscript: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-302.htmThese are the words studied today:1) take a good look atDefinition: to look at something carefully2) for sureDefinition: definitely; without doubt3) what’s on your mindDefinition: what you are thinking or worrying about4) sooner or laterDefinition: at some time in the future (not now, but eventually)5) pay attention toDefinitio
301. Anne of Green Gables (B2 story)
These are the B2 words and phrases we will be studying today:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-301.htm1) scared stiffMeaning: extremely frightened; so scared you cannot moveExample:I was scared stiff when I heard a loud noise in the dark.2) awkwardMeaning: feeling uneasy, embarrassed, or not relaxedExample:I felt awkward when I didn’t know anyone at the party.3) drop somebody offMeaning: t
300. Treasure Island - chapter 6 (B1 story)
These are the words we'll be studying in this B1 podcast today. To see the full audioscript of the story, you can go to my website at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-300.htm · Set off – We set off early in the morning to start our trip to the mountains. · Join in – Everyone was dancing, so I decided to join in and have fun. · Reliable and efficient – Our new computer system is
299. The man who could work miracles - part 2 (B2 story)
These are the B2 words we'll study today. You can also find the story transcript with B2 words highligted at:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-299.htm · in amusement She laughed in amusement when she saw the puppy trying to catch its own tail. · boast He likes to boast about his achievements, even when no one asks him about them. · deliberately She deliberately ignored his mes
298. Treasure Island - chapter 5 (B1 story)
Here is the B1 vocabulary for today's Treasure Island chapter:1) close up2) show somebody in3) have one’s doubts4) keen on / fond of5) dislike6) not be convinced7) give somebody a hand The Hispaniola was waiting out at sea, not near the land but a little way out. We rowed out in a small boat among many big ships. Their ropes hung down in the water, and sometimes th
297. The man who could work miracles - part 1 (B2 story)
The vocabulary and story transcript to today's B2 story:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-297.htm 1. define It is sometimes difficult to define success, because it means different things to different people. 2. an act of will Finishing the marathon after injuring his ankle was purely an act of will. 3. upside down When I turned the map upside down, I finally realized
296. Treasure Island - chapter 4 (B1 story)
These are the words I'll be studying today:Transcript at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-296.htmtreasureto sailcrewsailorthe docksshiptelescopecrutchpiratethe squireAll hands on board!aye, aye, sir!a schoonerContact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htmMy NEW book: "B
295. The Signalman - part 2 (B2 story)
You can read the transcript here at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-295.htmThe B2 words I study today are these: · without hesitation She accepted the job offer without hesitation because it matched her skills perfectly. · take pride in something He takes pride in his work and always tries to do his best, even under pressure. · talk this over Let’s talk this over tomo
294. Treasure Island - chapter 3 (B1 story)
These are the questions for the story today. You can see the complete audioscript for the story at my website:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-294.htm1) Why wouldn't the people from the village help Jim and his mother?2) How much money did Jim's mother take from the chest (box)?3) How did the blind man and his men get into the inn?4) What was inside the packet that Jim found ins
293. The Signalman - part 1 (B2 story)
These are the 7 B2 words I discuss during the podcast:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-293.htm1) rolled2) feared3) shade4) dragged5) unwilling6) endless7) uneasyContact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htmMy NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the
292. Treasure Island - chapter 2 (B1 Story)
For the full transcript of the story go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-292.htmThese are the phrases I study from the B1 story today:get rid of – I want to get rid of these old clothes because I never wear them. run (a business) – She runs a small business with her sister. unpleasant – The weather was cold and unpleasant all day. set the table – Can you help me set the table before d
291. The Black Cat - part 2 (B2 story)
The second and final part of my B2-level adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's The Black Cat: The B2 phrases studied are:The Black Cat (B2-Level- Part 2) · fall into hopeless despair After losing his job and the apartment in the same week, he fell into hopeless despair. · draw their attention to The teacher pointed at the board to draw the students’ attention to the maths problem solution. ·
290. Treasure Island - chapter 1 (B1 Story)
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. My B1-level version.Chapter 1Squire Trelawney, Dr. Livesey, and some other gentlemen asked me to write down the whole story of Treasure Island, from the beginning to the end . I must leave out only the exact position of the island, because there is still treasure there...https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-290.htmContact Mike Bilbrough with a questi
289. The Black Cat - part 1 (B2 story)
First part of my B2 version of The Black Cat by Edgar Allan Poe: For the most strange, yet also ordinary, story that I am about to write, I do not expect belief, nor do I ask for it. To tell the truth, I would be foolish to expect anyone to believe me... Read story transcript with B2 words in bold: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-289.htmContact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry a
288. The Lost Ring (B2 story)
You can find the audioscript to the B2 story today just here:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-288.htmThe Lost RingMary Grams, a woman from Alberta, Canada, lost her diamond engagement ring in 2004 while she was working in her garden. The ring slipped off her finger, but although she made a long search for it, in the end, she believed it had gone missing forever.Mary was very disappointed
287. That's Life! (B1 dialogue)
This is the audioscript for today's B1-level dialogue:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-287.htmThat's Life!Mary: 'Morning, Anna. You don't look very well today. Are you sick?Anna: 'Morning, Mary. Oh, yes. I feel terrible. I'm suffering from this backache and my head hurts. I think it's an illness caused by this awful, cold weather.Mary: Oh dear. I've
286. The Hole (B2 Story) Part 2
This is the audioscript for this B2 story (part 2) of The Hole:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-286.htmThe Hole (Part 2)I hurriedly set up the equipment from out of my bags.'Can I help, señor?' Pedro stepped forwards.'Please. Undo these two ropes. One has a harness and the other is fixed to this small sack, while I set up the laptop and monitor.'I then had to think fas
285. The Hole (B2 Story)
This is the audioscript for today's B2 story:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-285.htmThe Hole'We're arriving, señor,' said the helicopter pilot. 'It's down there, by that hill. I'll land as close as I can get. Time is going to be crucial.' The helicopter dropped down vertically and bounced once before finally settling on the grassy slope.There were
284. A Christmas Surprise (B1 and B2 Story)
This is a B1 and B2 story with phrasal verbs. Here is the audioscripy for the story:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-284.htmA Christmas SurpriseChristmas didn't turn out very well for Flora. She lived in the north of Scotland, where the weather can be a problem in the winter months. She lived in Keiss, a fishing village at the northern end of Sinclair's Bay on the east coast of
283. The Christmas Festival (B2 Story)
This is the story text for the B2 story today:https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-283.htmThe song in today's podcast is an arrangement by Dmitry Taras - check it out at Pixabay.The Christmas Festival'So, Miss Jenkins,' said the mayor. 'As the town's new Councillor for cultural events, it'll be your turn this year to organise the Christmas town festival.'&ap
282. Scrooge and the Turkey (B1 Story)
This is the audioscript for today's story and the B1 words studied:Scrooge and the TurkeyScrooge ran to the window, opened it, and put his head outside. There was no fog or mist. The air was clear, bright, and cold. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the bells were ringing happily.'Oh, how absolutely wonderful!' cried Scrooge in a cheerful voice.'What day is it?' h
281. The Fat One (B2, C1 Story - repeat)
Not able to bring my new B2 podcast today so I'm leaving you with an older Christmas story (repeat). Audioscript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-70.htmContact Mike Bilbrough with a question or enquiry about advertising on Practising English Podcasts: https://www.practisingenglish.com/contact.htmMy NEW book: "B1 English Vocabulary Builder - 22 Short Stories for Learning the
280. A Brief Meeting at Christmas (B1 Story)
This is the text for the B1 story today. Who was the mysterious girl in the park?https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-280.htmA brief meeting at ChristmasIt was two days before Christmas, and Lucas, a sixteen-year-old boy, was feeling rather lonely. His parents were busy at work, and his older sister was studying in London. To pass the time, Lucas decided to take a walk through the snowy park.
279. Christmas Cheer (B2 Story)
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-279.htmThis is a B2 recording today with a story for you to enjoy...Christmas cheerI’m standing in a peaceful, wealthy suburb a few miles from Bristol city centre. Without doubt, It’s going to be a white Christmas, or rather it is already a white Christmas thanks to a generous amount of snow that has fallen on this Christmas Eve. The quiet, snowy road has
278. White Christmas (B1 story)
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-278.htmThis is the story text I'll be using with the B1 words in bold:White ChristmasSteve Matlock worked in a car factory in Bristol. Every day at lunch, he sat in the canteen with his colleagues. They had discussions about their families, their aims, and their dreams. It was Christmas Eve, and the canteen felt warm and cheerful.“What are you doing f
277. Family Breakfast (B2 conversation)
This is the formal conversation studied today:“Beginning morning food consuming cycle,” said the father as he entered the kitchen. “Please gather at the table for an efficient distribution of resources.”Mother replied, “Indeed, I have organised a balancedcombination of carbohydrates and proteins, which should provide ideal operating for the day.”The ten-year-old entered next. “Parents, I request i
276. B1 Linking Words (Part 2)
Here is the text we are studying today.The Best Way to Learn a New LanguageIf you want to build confidence in English language speaking, rather than silent study, choose conversation activities instead. And try writing short messages instead of only memorising vocabulary lists.Practice speaking whenever you find someone willing to talk, and use new words wherever you go. It does not matter whether
275. B2 Linking Words
B2 conjunctionsCity Life Compared to Country LifeMany people wonder whether they would be happier living in the city or in the countryside. City life offers a fast rhythm and many opportunities, and it can be exciting, though it often feels crowded and noisy. Some people imagine that they would enjoy the peace of rural areas, when, in fact, they admit they enjoy the crowds and the lively lifestyle
274. B1 Linking Words (Part 1)
This is part 1 of my TWO podcasts on B1 linkers: The text for today is:Many people want to learn a new language, yet they often wonder what method works best. One helpful idea is to treat the language as you would a musical instrument, practising regularly. Learning can also happen as you travel or do other activities, as practice is important because it keeps the language fresh in your mind.In ad
273. Priorities (B2 Story)
Here is the text for the B2 story today:PrioritiesSteve was a talented guitarist who had spent years trying to make it big. When his band finally got an album deal, he felt his dreams were coming true. But his wife, Laura, was tired of being alone with their two children. One night, she told him enough was enough: 'Spend time with us, or you'd better leave. We can't go on like this.
272. The Sandwich Hero (B1 Story)
Here is the script for today's B1 story:The Sandwich HeroIn our town there used to be this chap, Tom. Every day, he sat near the market asking for coins or for a sandwich to eat. His clothes were dirty, and his hair was messy, I noticed he smelled a bit too. People didn’t pay him much attention. I couldn’t say I was fond of him, but I did feel sorry for him. He looked a bit depressed. I wonde
271. Chance of a Lifetime (B2 Story)
Here is the B2 story for today:A chance of a lifetime (B2)Sophie had always led a busy life. Between her job at the hospital and her evening art classes, she hardly had a moment to relax. One Friday, after a long shift, she received a last-minute call from her boyfriend, Tom. He insisted she came to the old café by the river.When Sophie arrived, the place was quiet, and Tom was waiting with a big
270. A Helpful Ghost (B1 Story)
This is the B1 story I'm going to read to you today and the vocabulary I'll look at:A helpful ghost (B1)Detective Sam Green liked to hang around any place where strange things happened. One autumn morning, he arrived in a small town surrounded by a beautiful landscape of snowy mountain peaks. The people there seemed friendly, but whenever Sam asked about the old castle on a nearby hill,
269. Every Dog has his Day (B1 and B2 Story)
Norman Newbury has never won anything in his life, and then when a swimming competition comes up, Norman thinks he could, at last, win the trophy.B2 phrases to listen for. What is the context of each phrase?1) talk things over with2) kept in good shape3) push himself4) (feel) over the moon5) took a deep breath6) taken it for grantedThe vowels (a, e, i, o, u) have been taken out (unless the word be
268. The Girl in the Painting (B1 Story)
The B1 story today:The Girl in the PaintingSophie had been meaning to visit the old house on the hill for years, and she was surprised to see the door open, as though inviting her to visit.Inside, the air was heavy and quiet. She glanced around the dusty room and saw an old mirror. In the glass, she saw a handsome young man smiling at her. She turned suddenly, however, there was no one there behin
267. Article on Friendship (B2 level)
This is a B2 level podcast:The Magic of True FriendshipHave you ever stopped to think what really makes a good friend? We all have people we hang out with, but genuine friendship goes beyond just having fun together.A good friend is someone you can count on, no matter what. They listen when you need to talk, cheer you up when you’re feeling down, and tell you the truth — even when it’s hard to hea
266. An article about games for PET exam (B1 level)
Today, I'm going to read an article, which is similar to the articles you have to write if you're doing the B1 Cambridge PET exam.Many people enjoy playing games in their free time. Some prefer board games like chess or Monopoly, while others like video games such as Minecraft or FIFA. But which type of game is more interesting to play?Board games are great for spending time with family
265. A True Champion (B2 Story)
A B2-level short story for you today...A True ChampionSofia had always dreamed of becoming a professional tennis player. She trained every morning, even when she was tired, because she knew success would depend on her hard work. Some people tried to discourage her from doing so much training, saying she was wasting her time, but Sofia refused to listen.Her first big tournament didn’t go well. She
264. The Mystery of the Lake (B1 Story)
The Mystery of the LakeDay after day, Lily walked past the old lake near her village. The elderly people of the village said it was dangerously deep, and that in its depths lived an enormous monster. In all her life, Lily had never seen anything, although she often wondered why there were never ducks or swans on the lake. One summer morning, she decided to take her small boat and explore the lake
